Police Officer

The Elkhorn Police Department is actively seeking dedicated individuals to join our team. As a Patrol Officer, you will play a pivotal role in our community. By engaging with residents, fostering relationships, and addressing community concerns, you’ll directly impact the lives of those we serve. Your work will contribute to maintaining public peace, protecting lives, and preventing crime. Elkhorn is more than just a city; it's a close-knit community where your efforts as a Patrol Officer will help preserve the harmony that makes it a special place to live and work. 
 

Lateral Transfers Welcome!

Applications for lateral transfers will also be accepted. A "lateral transfer" refers to a candidate who is certified and has been employed as a full-time law enforcement officer by a municipal, county or state police agency. Corrections, reserve officers and security officer experience does not fulfill our recruitment for certified police experience as a lateral applicant. Successful lateral candidates may start at a higher pay step than entry-level candidates at the discretion of the City Administrator.  Factors considered in a lateral applicant's entry wage include the level of certification, education, agency size, specialized training and assignments and other job-related factors that would help an officer be successful in our agency.  Vacation time may also be adjusted according to police experience.

Ready to Serve?

• Applications must be submitted online by 11:59pm on Sunday, January 5, 2025.
• Written Testing will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 9:00 AM
• Command Staff interviews will be Tuesday, January 14, 2025 and Wednesday, January 15, 2025 (candidates will self-schedule for the date/time)
• Police and Fire Commission interviews are scheduled on the evening of Wednesday, January 29, 2025 (selected candidates will self-schedule)

Physical Readiness Testing (PRT)

 Candidates who are not currently certified by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board, or are certifiable, or have not successfully completed the entrance standards for the Wisconsin Physical Readiness Test (PRT) within 6 months prior to the application deadline, must be able to complete and pass the entrance standards prior to a conditional offer of employment being extended.

Non-Certified Hires
Noncertified law enforcement hires that have not completed the law enforcement academy may be paid an hourly wage not less than 75% of the base rate for a full-time police offer. This will be adjusted upon successful completion of the Academy.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Under general supervision, in accordance with all applicable laws and established operating policies/procedures, the employee is responsible to detect and deter criminal activity; identify and apprehend criminal offenders; protect constitutional guarantees; facilitate the movement of people and vehicles; aid individuals who are in danger of physical harm; and provide other services on an emergency basis.

The following duties are normal for this position.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, or is a logical assignment for the position.

• Patrol assigned areas of the City in order to maintain the peace; discover and prevent the commission of crimes; enforce laws, regulations, and ordinances; respond to and investigate alarms; perform security checks of business, public and residential premises; assist stranded, distressed or injured motorists; and respond to complaints, traffic accidents, requests from persons requiring assistance and other emergency calls.
• Perform traffic control duties at accidents, special events, and other emergency situations.
• Conduct investigations of alleged or suspected criminal activity; determine what, if any, crime has been committed; identify, collect, preserve and process evidence; locate and interview victims and witnesses; and identify and interrogate suspects.
• Search persons, vehicles, and property to locate and collect evidence of a crime.
• Prepare and serve search and arrest warrants; and serve subpoenas or other court orders.
• Prepare necessary reports and documentation for investigations, arrests, accidents, citation or other incidents.
• Testify in criminal and civil court proceedings; give depositions.
• Maintain vehicles and equipment in order to ensure dependable, efficient and safe operation by servicing, cleaning and polishing when necessary.
• Participate in ongoing training and education.

Qualifications

• Must have a valid driver's license with good driving record.
• Must be 18+ years of age.
• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be able to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Must be able to react quickly and effectively to stressful situations.
• Must possess good verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent moral character.
• Must be able to use all standard law enforcement equipment.
• Able to work evenings, weekends and holidays.
• No felony convictions, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, or other crime that results in the prohibition of possession of a firearm.
• Must possess within five years of the start date of employment, an associate degree from a Wisconsin Technical College System district or its accredited equivalent from another state or a minimum of 60 fully accredited college level credits in any subject.
• Must have completed the basic training requirements of the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board for certification as a law enforcement officer, or must successfully complete the required training within the original probationary period.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

• Motor Vehicles
• Duty Weapons: firearms, less lethal weapons including electronic control devices, OC Spray, batons, less-lethal shotgun, etc.
• Writing implements
• Office Equipment; Computers, printers, telephone systems, photocopying machines, Fax machines, etc.
• Radio Communications: Portable and mobile police radios, mobile data computers, etc.
• Basic Tools and Equipment:  First aid supplies including but not limited to A.E.D, oxygen, etc., fire extinguishers, restraint devices, flashlights, uniforms, personal protective equipment, speed measurements equipment, alcohol detection devices, camera and digital recording equipment.